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BeyondBlue Hello! Read this if you're not sure how to get started
  • replies: 0

Welcome This section of the Beyond Blue Forums is for talking about our experiences with depression. There are lots of chats about how it makes us feel, what it’s like to live with depression and what has worked to help in these times. Thank you for ... View more

Welcome This section of the Beyond Blue Forums is for talking about our experiences with depression. There are lots of chats about how it makes us feel, what it’s like to live with depression and what has worked to help in these times. Thank you for coming this far, we know it can be really hard to take these steps if depression is in your life - we see you and think this is a great step. To get the most out of this space we have a few tips: Get involved. The Forums work best for you when you get active and post where you can. Now, we know that can be really hard, especially when you are experiencing depression. So, if you can post something supportive to someone else here, that would be an incredible start. Speak from the heart. This community wants to know how YOU feel and what has worked for YOU. We trust that you have something unique to say and we can’t wait to hear it. Check in. Lots of the discussions in this section of the Forums have been going for years and they are some of the richest conversations we have. Keep checking in to get new ideas and offer your support. We know it can be tough to start, but when you are ready we want to hear your thoughts. If you need some time to get to know the community, that's okay! Have a look around and see where you want to get involved. Thank you for being here! Beyond Blue

Jeriava How do I talk to my doctor?
  • replies: 9

I’ve been struggling with my life for the past 7-8 years but I finally made an appointment with a doctor. I feel really scared though because I don’t ever go to the doctor for anything, and I havent seen this doctor for so many years that I’m really ... View more

I’ve been struggling with my life for the past 7-8 years but I finally made an appointment with a doctor. I feel really scared though because I don’t ever go to the doctor for anything, and I havent seen this doctor for so many years that I’m really scared that they’ll judge me or won’t believe anything I say. I’m really anti social so I feel like I won’t be able to say what I wanna say or I’ll say the wrong thing causing them to just dismiss me and move me along without helping. I’m just tired of feeling alone, depressed and just worthless but I’m really scared to talk to them.

AGrace SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING DEPRESSION
  • replies: 132

Hi Everyone, Here are some ideas you might like to try for managing symptoms of depression. Of course everyone's different, so let us know what works for you, and please feel free to add to the list... Mindfulness – through breathing or engaging the ... View more

Hi Everyone, Here are some ideas you might like to try for managing symptoms of depression. Of course everyone's different, so let us know what works for you, and please feel free to add to the list... Mindfulness – through breathing or engaging the 5 senses Distress Tolerance – Accepting Emotions and Self Soothing Distraction – Put the thoughts/feelings aside and come back to them when you are ready to deal with them Positive Affirmations – Have some affirmations written down repeat them to yourself daily Sleep/Exercise/Diet – All 3 aspects of our lifestyle can impact the way we think/feel Increasing Pleasurable Activities – Engage in at least one pleasurable activity per day

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luckycharms New here and don't know what else to do
  • replies: 5

Hi. I don't really know where else to go but I'm 21 and for the past year I slowly realised I haven't been feeling okay. I started drifting away from all of my friends and have had to take a few semesters off uni. Recently I had a panic attack at hom... View more

Hi. I don't really know where else to go but I'm 21 and for the past year I slowly realised I haven't been feeling okay. I started drifting away from all of my friends and have had to take a few semesters off uni. Recently I had a panic attack at home and I'm not really sure how it came about but my parents have noticed that something was wrong but when I tell them that all the pressure from uni has made me feel anxious and depressed all they say is "you can get past it, you're almost graduating". This sort of manifested and ate at me for so long since they have such high expectations that most days I feel so unmotivated and now I don't really enjoy all the things I love doing. Lately I find myself staying in bed til noon most days and my parents think I'm just lazy and not following what they say. Sometimes I feel like being with them in this house 24/7 is too much and those days I end up wishing I could move out so badly. My mum thinks that I'm doing all this to purposely hurt her but that's not true at all. She keeps asking me what's wrong and I end up saying that it's nothing cause every time I try to tell her I feel like there's something wrong with me she instantly thinks that it's a problem with how she raised me and she goes on about how this is her fault and that she doesn't deserve it and maybe I'm just "lashing" out and choosing not to listen to her since I'm a young adult and that makes me feel even worse about myself. My parents preach so highly that I can "talk to them about anything" but I feel like I can only talk to them about things they want to hear. I can't open up to my mum since she feels like everything I do is me targeting her and the fact that she thinks I would do something like that hurts me. And my dad just agrees with whatever my mum ends up saying. Recently she got really upset at me staying in bed all afternoon that she forcefully booked an appointment with the doctor and told me that I need to fix myself. I get that she wants to try to fix things but I feel that this just wedges a gap between our relationship even more. I don't really feel comfortable seeing someone yet and I don't really know what to do anymore. Most of the time I just want to sleep since I feel so alone and empty inside.

dave1234 Bit of a mixture
  • replies: 2

Hi I've been diagnosed with chronic depression for many years. I've damaged my spine and neck in accidents and whilst I'm not confined to a chair find any exercise brings on pain (throw in lower limb injuries as well). Over the years I've seen both p... View more

Hi I've been diagnosed with chronic depression for many years. I've damaged my spine and neck in accidents and whilst I'm not confined to a chair find any exercise brings on pain (throw in lower limb injuries as well). Over the years I've seen both psychiatrists and psychologists. I have no faith in CBT, and I just don't have the mindset to change it. Of late I've started to believe that people are watching me. Deep down I know they probably aren't, but it's a feeling that won't go away. I'm starting to try to catch people out for looking at me. Not sure if they want to hurt me, but I don't trust them. I know I sound mad, logically I know it's not happening, but at the times I check I'm not thinking in a logical manner. Does this make sense to anyone, or am I starting to go down a slippery slope.

Stressed Guy My life at the moment
  • replies: 8

I didn't know if I should post again on beyond blue but here goes. I'm just going to start off by saying I'm under a lot of stress at the moment. This year feels like a nightmare as we've been trying to move and we've had so many obstacles in our way... View more

I didn't know if I should post again on beyond blue but here goes. I'm just going to start off by saying I'm under a lot of stress at the moment. This year feels like a nightmare as we've been trying to move and we've had so many obstacles in our way. On top of that I'm trying to study a diploma of travel and tourism online. I'm almost halfway through and I'm supposed to film a few role-play for my current unit. I can't do that as the only person who can help is my dae and he works all the time. I don't even care about the course anymore as it feels like I'm mentally and emotionally fatigued most of the time anyway. Plus I'm not passionate about what I'm studying. And courses are terrible online. I can't say I'm the most social person but going to class is a million times better. I also feel like there's a lot of pressure for me to finish this diploma by March next year which is the same time I'm supposed to start uni at the Gold Coast. If we hopefully get there. I currently live in Sydney. I also feel really depressed about a few other things. I feel really bad that my dad works all the time and that I haven't been able to help out my parents more financially. I'm also frustrated that I don't really talk to my brothers much. Also I've never been on a date with a woman, I have no friends, I've never had a job and have never finished a diploma course. All in all I just feel bad about where I am in life. Recently I've been writing a lot more which makes me happy. I've also been trying to exercise a bit more. Although I've stopped going to tennis lessons altogether. I almost got injured the last time I played went I don't want to talk to anybody there anymore since I'll be moving in the next few months. Although we've been talking about the Gold Coast for 3 years but there's been obstacles in the way. I guess what I'm getting at is that I feel stuck in life at the moment and I don't know what to do about it. I keep thinking maybe I deserve not to be happy. Everything I want seems like a pipe dream. I think about run away everyday and going anywhere else. If I didn't care about helping my parents then I would probably pack my bags and leave. I'm sorry for even posting this but I don't know who to talk to. Thanks for reading it. John

Flowertop Feeling low and no energy
  • replies: 11

I just feel flat and become easily irritable. Bored and restless but in a freeze state. No motivation. Thinking of maybe starting medication but can’t make decisions but can’t stay like this.

I just feel flat and become easily irritable. Bored and restless but in a freeze state. No motivation. Thinking of maybe starting medication but can’t make decisions but can’t stay like this.

adamc Why Am I Here?
  • replies: 4

The last two days when I've been out of my solo walks, I can't help but wonder why I am still here and every time I break down into tears. I'm 37, I finished high school in 2001 and have gotten nowhere in life. I have never gotten any support or enco... View more

The last two days when I've been out of my solo walks, I can't help but wonder why I am still here and every time I break down into tears. I'm 37, I finished high school in 2001 and have gotten nowhere in life. I have never gotten any support or encouragement I feel out of place at home. Over the years, girls/women that ever expressed an interest in me turned out to be only pretending. When a girl finds out I like her, they either say "Ewww!" or make prank calls to my home. I've lately been watching videos on YouTube where returning servicemen surprise family members that haven't seen them for some time and it makes me think if I ever decided to join the services as something simple as an inventory specialist, I wouldn't answer letters from home nor would I return home on leave. When my cat had a vet appointment the other day, because of the stupid rules and restrictions, I couldn't even be in the consult room with him so I could talk about any concerns I had. And every time I see on the news where police harass members of the public over something as silly as an old lady not being allowed to stop for breath on a walk while ignoring misconduct of ministers, it only makes it worse. It makes me feel sick.

JamesS The year of feeling trapped...
  • replies: 3

Hi there, I wanted to post about how challenging this year has been, as is increasingly clear with some hindsight. Overall, its been an unrelenting set of largely unwanted circumstances which began with the bushfires and really took off after the cor... View more

Hi there, I wanted to post about how challenging this year has been, as is increasingly clear with some hindsight. Overall, its been an unrelenting set of largely unwanted circumstances which began with the bushfires and really took off after the coronavirus pandemic. I've nursed a failing relationship, have attempted to finish a phd, and am now looking to move interstate for a work opportunity. When I think about how hard this year has been I feel angry and depressed, and I can't help but blame the state of society. I know that everyone is having a tough time and by comparison I feel very grateful to have had opportunities in an objectively terrible time. But I feel stressed that my luck might run out, and that these hard times are not going away. Looking out into the world is simply nauseating however one looks at it these days. I'm wondering how other people are getting through this time ? Is there a solution that doesn't involve simply self distraction, and is instead framed through a holistic process of acceptance ? I find myself stressed and unable to find refuge in any thought of comforting future. Thank you

Balmbear I really just don't know what to do anymore.
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I have gone through a lot of rough things in my life. I grew up half deaf after having grommets, I got golden staph infection in my right ear causing me to be a burden on my family with constant pain, medical bills and hinderance in lear... View more

Hi everyone, I have gone through a lot of rough things in my life. I grew up half deaf after having grommets, I got golden staph infection in my right ear causing me to be a burden on my family with constant pain, medical bills and hinderance in learning. I wasn't able to get water in my ear, I didn't learn to swim, I couldn't make friends because I had blood and ooze leaking from my ear constantly. I turned to food as a source of happiness, eating whenever I felt sad, sneaking snacks to my room even as a young kid. and I have been obese for as long as I can remember and honestly don't think I'll ever have the motivation or will to see myself become anything but obese. My parents divorced when I was in kindergarten whilst also being used as a messenger of hate and bad words that I didn't know what they meant at the time and shortly after when I was in Year 2 my father started deteriorating as he had liver cancer, watching your dad wither away, vomiting blood and physically turning yellow; knowing that I can't do anything to help, just watching him die.. No friends, No Father and A Mother who treats me like shit. My brother was the only person I had. at younger ages he bullied me a lot but now as adults he's trying to be there because he wants me to be a present Uncle, but I can't get past the bullying and pain. Getting into high school, I was a smart kid but I had literally no motivation to do anything or plans for the future, I thankfully had made a friend, she's the most wonderful human being i can think of, she's been through her own personal hell but always made sure I was okay. Later on in high school we tried to date, but I realised I was gay and she fully understood and supported it. I stayed closeted until after highschool, my family was already abusive enough i didn't want that to be added on top. It's been 5 years since high school. I am in a Polyamorous relationship with 2 boyfriends, one who feels like an Emotional Minefield, the other feels cold and unapproachable at times. I Do my best to try and make them happy but it gets to a point where I am sacrificing too much. I am obese, no motivation, no true happiness- just the quick rush of winning an online game, I look back at everything and can count the few good things I have had happen to me quite easily, but it is extremely outweighed by all the negatives. I keep continuing the cycle of waking up, just existing, eating, crying and sleeping. What do I do, am I just being pessimistic?

nonscripta It's Always So Much
  • replies: 3

Hiya. Sorry if this ends up a long or confusing read. I'm kind of all over the place. I've been feeling really hopeless. I'm in my last years of school. Was diagnosed with anxiety in mid-late primary and depression in early secondary. I've been seein... View more

Hiya. Sorry if this ends up a long or confusing read. I'm kind of all over the place. I've been feeling really hopeless. I'm in my last years of school. Was diagnosed with anxiety in mid-late primary and depression in early secondary. I've been seeing a psychologist for a long time. But is there anything new for her to tell me? I have lots of little health issues; rarely serious but always stressful. As much as I do as my psych advises, I can't help how hopeless I feel about the state of the world. The climate is rising, covid won't be the last pandemic I see, world leaders are at each other's throats. It's all out of my hands. Advice is always the same. I know that's because it's the best advice that can be given. But after so many years, it starts to hurt. And I never got to live the years everyone calls their best. So what's left? Working for things I'll never be able to afford? It feels like there's so little to live for. Is all the emptiness worth the moments of happiness? I don't want to die. I'm not going to kill myself. But if I'm going to die anyway, I want it to be on my own terms, you know? I'm not sure what I want from this, honestly. Maybe just to vent. If you happen to have advice, or just a kind word, I'll be glad to hear it, though. Thanks for your time.

JoyceG Depression:(
  • replies: 4

Hey guys, hope everyone is doing well. I'm only writing this because I need to get it out I suppose. Struggling so bad lately, I have no one to talk too. I work 7 days a week just to keep my mind off things, I just don't know how to stop thinking of ... View more

Hey guys, hope everyone is doing well. I'm only writing this because I need to get it out I suppose. Struggling so bad lately, I have no one to talk too. I work 7 days a week just to keep my mind off things, I just don't know how to stop thinking of ending it. How do people stop...

Lunexy Feeling really overwhelmed with things
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone Dont need to go into a long history about my mental health. Its obvious why I'm here. And honestly I'm sick of being kicked while im already down for the past 3 years. Glandular fever and chronic fatigue in 2018. Still glandular fever eff... View more

Hi everyone Dont need to go into a long history about my mental health. Its obvious why I'm here. And honestly I'm sick of being kicked while im already down for the past 3 years. Glandular fever and chronic fatigue in 2018. Still glandular fever effects as well as chronic tonsilitis in 2019. Now 2020, severe anxiety disorder and depression resurgence from when I was a teenager, and a global pandemic happened. I have also been struggling since March with chronic bum fissures and constant irritation in my private parts. I'm a 21 year old lady and all these particularly intimate issues are getting me down the most... both issues are trying to be worked on but with no luck so far with treatments. I am just so so sad so often. Anxiety used to be my primary problem but with everything going on with my health ive been more depressed than ever. I also am struggling with chronic fatigue again, with no obvious cause apart from possible mental fatigue. The fatigue makes it really hard to just live and function and to cope with my other health issues. I just want to give up alot of the time. I feel like i should be grateful that i dont have a life threatening illness but what i do have has made me lose so much confidence in myself as well as getting me so down. Is there a way out? Will things get better?